Dynamically create 2D text in three.js

Question

I have 3D model which I have created in three.js. Based on some data, I want to create a set of arrows which is decorated by a small text label. These labels should be in 2D

Answer 1

The response by @LeeStemkoski was quite useful. Yet there is a slight change that needs to be done to the code in order for the text to follow your arrows around i.e. in case the arrow gets moved around, rotated, etc.

See the next code

                        var canvas1 = document.createElement('canvas');
                        var context1 = canvas1.getContext('2d');
                        context1.font = "Bold 10px Arial";
                        context1.fillStyle = "rgba(255,0,0,1)";
                        context1.fillText('Hello, world!', 0, 60);

                        // canvas contents will be used for a texture
                        var texture1 = new THREE.Texture(canvas1)
                        texture1.needsUpdate = true;

                        var material1 = new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({ map: texture1, side: THREE.DoubleSide });
                        material1.transparent = true;

                        var mesh1 = new THREE.Mesh(
                            new THREE.PlaneGeometry(50, 10),
                            material1
                          );
                        mesh1.position.set(25, 5, -5);
                        mesh1.rotation.x = -0.9;
                        shape.add(mesh1);
                        // Note that mesh1 gets added to the shape and not to the scene

                       scene.add(shape)

As you can see, the trick is to add the text (mesh1) to the shape (your "arrow") instead of adding it to the scene.

I hope this helps.